The moment is optimal to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.
Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.